canine companionship

Ghislaine Maxwell Barred from Service Dog Training: Outrage and Suspicion

Ghislaine Maxwell will be prohibited from participating in the service dog training program at her new prison in Texas. Canine Companions, the organization that runs the program, has a strict policy against allowing inmates convicted of crimes involving abuse toward minors or animals, including those of a sexual nature, to train the puppies, to protect the vulnerable animals. The prison-based programs, which help address a national shortage of service dogs, have proven successful, with dogs trained by inmates having a higher success rate and the inmates themselves experiencing lower recidivism rates. Despite the benefits, Maxwell will not be able to participate in this program.

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Husband dies after Maine couple is lost in woods for days, wife may have survived thanks to dog

The tragic story of John and Pamela Helmstadter resonates deeply within me, stirring a mix of emotions—sadness, regret, and profound appreciation for the loyalty and love that dogs so selflessly give. The couple’s unfortunate experience in the Maine woods serves as a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability and the vulnerability that can come with age. As I reflect on their ordeal, I find myself grappling with the harsh realities of safety in nature, especially for the elderly, and the grit that our canine companions can display in times of crisis.

The couple, evidently accustomed to walking in the woods, likely felt comfortable venturing out without cell phones, expecting a leisurely stroll in familiar terrain.… Continue reading